Applications open for DAFI Scholarship Program (Kazakhstan)

Benefits

• The DAFI Scholarship Program empowers refugee students to pursue higher education, providing financial support and offering a pathway for young refugees to achieve their academic and professional dreams.
• DAFI Scholarships are awarded for a maximum of four years of undergraduate or equivalent degree studies at accredited higher education institutions. The DAFI program does not provide education at the master’s level.
• DAFI Scholarship covers tuition fees, education fees, study materials, and other education-related expenses such as research or internships. The scholarship also covers a monthly student stipend.
• DAFI scholars participate in social, peer and community engagement, and skills development activities. UNHCR and education partners maintain close contact with each student, and the higher education institutions they attend, to support their academic success and well-being.

Eligibility Criteria

• To apply for the DAFI Scholarship, you must:
  • Be a person who has been granted refugee status in Kazakhstan or is considered by UNHCR to be in need of international protection.
  • Not be over 28 years old when you begin your studies. (There may be exceptions to the age limit if you started your undergraduate studies in your home country but were forced to leave your studies due to seeking asylum in another country, or if you encountered special difficulties in accessing higher education programs due to certain circumstances, such as childcare responsibilities, raising children, disability, etc.).
  • Have a certificate of secondary/secondary vocational education, and you can provide original documents confirming your education background. If you do not have the relevant documents, please contact UNHCR or the Red Crescent Society and explain your situation before applying. Specify the reason why you cannot provide the original certificate when applying.
  • Have graduated from high school with above average grades.
  • Have a good command of the language of instruction for the undergraduate/secondary vocational education program you wish to enter in Kazakhstan.
  • Not be currently receiving a scholarship from another source.
  • Be in need of financial assistance to continue your studies.
  • Be strongly motivated to participate in your community and Kazakhstan, including through your leadership, volunteering, community service, mentorship, and community development efforts.

For more information, visit UNHCR.